Island in the Sky / Mountain Biking the White Rim in Utah

The sheer size of the US prevents any kind of all-encompassing statement about the typical American experience. From the state-of-the-art skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country lanes of New England, the United States of America is a place of astonishing beauty and extraordinary diversity. Nothing can remotely prepare you for your first glimpse of the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the glistening Empire State building, the neon lights of Las Vegas, or the iconic Statue of Liberty. Not to mention the natural treasures on offer - the country’s beautiful national parks are home to some of the world’s most treasured wildlife and landscapes; the west and east coasts are strewn with spectacular beaches, and the Rockies provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. In fact, it is a country of such epic proportions that you could easily spend a lifetime in the US and still feel like you have barely scratched the surface.

Currency 

Local currency: United States Dollar 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: USD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Varies by bank 
Public Holidays: Yes, varies by bank 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 

Main airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines 
International Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), O'Hare International Airport (ORD) 
Domestic Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes, in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

North American cuisine varies widely, with influences from Native American, European, Asian, and African cultures. Common dishes include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, barbecue, seafood, and various regional specialties such as Tex-Mex and New England clam chowder. Notable local drinks include cola, craft beer, bourbon, and wine. 

Tipping: 15-20% 

Annual Rainfall:

• Varies by region:
• Pacific Northwest (Seattle, WA): ~1,500 mm (60 inches)
• Southwest (Phoenix, AZ): ~200 mm (8 inches)
• Southeast (Miami, FL): ~1,400 mm (55 inches)
• Northeast (New York, NY): ~1,200 mm (47 inches)

Average Temperature:

• Varies by region:
• Pacific Northwest (Seattle, WA): 11°C (52°F)
• Southwest (Phoenix, AZ): 24°C (75°F)
• Southeast (Miami, FL): 24°C (75°F)
• Northeast (New York, NY): 12°C (54°F)

Summer:

• Average highs: 20-40°C (68-104°F)
• Average lows: 10-28°C (50-82°F)

Winter:

• Average highs: -1 to 25°C (30-77°F)
• Average lows: -5 to 15°C (23-59°F)

Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit North America depends on your plans. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities and warm weather, while winter is best for skiing and snow sports. Fall features stunning foliage, and spring offers pleasant weather and blooming flowers. Timing depends on the experiences you're after.

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.